Once upon a time, way back in 2005, Carrie Underwood was an up-and-coming female country artist, fresh off her win on 'American Idol.' Now an established name in country music (with the Grammys to prove it), the singer dishes on her favorite up-and-coming country gals.

Sure, there are loads of talented acts in country music, but there's only a handful Underwood has been blown awayby, telling Glam, "I do love Lauren Alaina. I know a lot of people are into Kacey Musgraves and her writing style. Sarah Darling has such a sweet voice. There are a lot of females that are kind of waiting for their opportunity."

It seems that everyone these days is talking about the obstacle-strewn road that the ladies in country have to tread, and Underwood herself admits that it's tough for women in this genre and hopes that more will have their chance.

Instead of viewing other talented singers as competition, Underwood actually wants a few more gals around. " ... I would really love to see more females doing really well," she admits. "The ones who are out there -- myself, Miranda, Reba, Taylor -- are doing really well. I would just love to see more!"

"It makes me a little sad when I do look at the charts and I see one female in the Top 20," Underwood furthers. "I really hope that this is the year of the woman, and I really hope that there are some really breakthrough, amazing female artists that people can hear."

Could 2014 be the year for Darling and Alaina? Musgraves has definitely proven that she's one to watch with her two 2014 Grammy wins -- and hopefully the same will be true for many country songstresses this year!